The best cars in South Africa for 2016 were chosen earlier this year and included a mix of 12 cars that are guaranteed to blow your socks off. Today, the Auto Mart team takes a closer look at the best cars winners and gives you a little more info on each model. Remember, if you are looking for great deals on some of the best cars for sale in South Africa, be sure to visit www.AutoMart.co.za!
How the best cars in South Africa were chosen
Each one of the best cars selected was scored and measured by a panel of 27 prominent car journalists. Each vehicle was judged on a range of tests and factors which included practicality, value for money, dynamics, performance, efficiency and more. The cars were taken through a range of tests at the Gerotek test facility, close to Pretoria.
The Volvo XC90 for sale
The Volvo XC90 is sleek, stands outs and is ideal for both on and off road usage. The XC90 is no stranger to awards, having won numerous top prizes across the globe. The car has been touted as the most technologically advanced offering yet from Volvo and it shows.
During the tests, the D5 AWD Inscription engine fuelled the car, with a power output of 165kW and 470Nm of torque, making it fast and reliable. The low levels of CO2 emissions, at 152g/km, helped add to its appeal.
The Volvo XC90 for sale stood out from the rest when it came to its various safety and technology features, from park assist, state-of-the-art entertainment system, to driving capabilities.
All that, coupled with its performance, handling, dynamics and value for money, at around R893 900, made it a clear winner among the finalists.
Want to learn more about this amazing vehicle? Read our ‘Volvo XC90: A sophisticated and luxurious SUV designed with style and safety’ post.
Fabulous Ford Fusion
The fun and totally fabulous Ford Fusion came in second for many reasons, including its combination of sophisticated looks and great performance. Making the list of best cars in South Africa, the Ford Fusion for sale stands apart and is a favourite of many for its design, price point and performance.
The Fusion 1.5 EcoBoost Trend has a power output of 132Kw and 240Nm of torque. The CO2 emissions are 173g/km.
The everyday performer, and runner up in the awards, is suited to a range of consumers, as well as families, and it’s been a popular choice among many.
If you would like to learn more about this stunning car, why not read our ‘Ford Fusion: A sedan that resists blending in’ post?
The Mazda 2 for sale
Coming in third, the Mazda 2 for sale also offers great value and bang for your buck. It is sporty yet compact and refined and the fourth generation model takes its cues from the previous ones, with a slightly new slant.
The Mazda 2 that was reviewed has a 1.5 litre Dynamic, 6MT with a power output of 82Kw and 145Nm of torque. Its Co2 emissions are 130g/km.
The diesel engine performs well and the car’s overall build quality, refinement and performance made it a strong contender for the top spot.
Thinking of finding a Mazda 2 for sale? Learn everything there is to know about this best cars finalist by reading our ‘A look at the hot new Mazda 2’ post.
The Spunky Opel Adam
The Opel Adam for sale is a stylish and funky offering for city living and that’s where its standout quality lies. It’s small, sleek and compact and is the ideal car for running around the city with.
Earning a place on the list of best cars in South Africa, the Opel Adam finalist featured a 1.0 T ecoFlex JAM engine, with a power output of 85kW and 166Nm of torque. As for the CO2 emissions they are 119g/km.
It is the perfect option for those looking for a city car, or their first, with a range of technology and offerings that make it suitable for any city situation, or parking spot.
If you are ready to take the plunge and find an Opel Adam for sale, read our ‘Opel Adam: It’s much more than a supermini car – It’s a Game Changer!’ blog post first!
The Opel Corsa
Another offering from Opel that made it into the finals is the Opel Corsa for sale. The classic Corsa, now in its fifth generation, is one that appeals to those who are looking for a great city car, with a great reputation.
The Opel Corsa that made the cut was the 1.0 litre T Enjoy, with a power output of 85kW and 170Nm of torque. The CO2 emissions levels are 117g/km.
The Corsa was applauded for handling well and being fuel efficient, making it stand out from the crowd. You can learn more about the latest Corsa by reading our ‘Opel Corsa: Oh! Love at first sight!’ post.
Land Rover Discovery Sport
The Land Rover Discovery Sport is a sporty and sleek SUV that is known for both its on and off road handlings. The popular car stands out thanks to its dual capabilities of a city and off road SUV.
The Discovery Sport for sale taken for the tests had a SD4 HSE 2.2 litre diesel auto engine with a power output of 140Kw and 420Nm of torque and its Co2 emissions are 166g/km.
The powerful, practical and versatile SUV is a standout for its handling, capabilities and possibilities on and off road, earning it a place on the list of best cars. Learn more about these models making the best cars list by reading our ‘Land Rover Discovery Sport: The on and off-road Master’ post.
The Elegant Jaguar XE
Also making the list of the best cars in South Africa, the Jaguar XE sedan is one of the latest offerings from Jaguar, and offers a great drive and performance from a renowned and trusted brand.
The XE model from Jaguar that was judged was the 2.0 litre Turbocharged Diesel R-Sport, it had a power output of 180kW with 430Nm of torque. The CO2 emissions are 111g/km.
The Jaguar XE for sale is a sleek and eye catching car that is powerful and makes for a great drive.
Young and Energetic Honda HRV
Honda is known for its great crossover range and the Honda HRV is no different. The large, sleek crossover is well designed and has a range of quality finishes and offerings, making it an ideal choice.
The HRV taken for a cruise, and test, featured a 1.8 litre petrol Elegance engine, with a power output of 105Kw and 172Nm of torque. The CO2 emissions are 162g/km.
The latest HR-V received a number of tweaks and is a great quality, affordable offering from Honda. It performs well, both on and off road.
Unique Peugeot 308
The latest Peugeot 308 is a stylish and sleek hatchback that is both practical and fuel efficient, making it an ideal choice for those who are fans of the French brand.
The 308 Peugeot tested in the awards had a 1.2 litre PureTech engine, with a power output of 96kW and 230Nm of torque, while the C02 emissions are 110g/km.
The Peugeot 308 for sale has great specs, performs and drives well and with its economic fuel usage it easily makes the list of best cars.
Funky-Fun Citroen C4 Cactus
The Citroen C4 Cactus is a powerful and compact SUV, with distinctive styling, making it stand out.
The C4 Cactus from Citroen, taken for a drive in the awards, had a PureTech Turbo 1.2 with a power output of 81Kw and 205Nm of torque and the CO2 emissions are 107g/km.
This Citroen isn’t just quirky and fun, it is fuel efficient, economical and a practical car for both city and off road use. You can learn more about these spunky and fun best cars finalist by reading our ‘Live an adventure in the Citroen C4 Aircross or Cactus’ post on the Auto Mart Blog.
The Kia Sorento for sale
The new generation, high end Kia Sorento for sale features a new engine, design and much more, making it stand out from the crowd.
The Kia Sorento had a 2.2 CRDi SX AWD with a power output of 147kW and 440Nm of torque, while the Kia’s CO2 emissions are 203g/km.
There is a choice of four models available and you can choose between one that best suits your needs.
Overall, the power and size means that it handles well and performs when you need it to. If you would like to learn more about what the Sorento can offer you, check out our ‘Experience the best of both worlds with a Kia Sorento’ post on the blog.
The Electrifying BMW i3
The BMW i3 is an eco-friendly hybrid that offers the chance to reduce consumption where possible to make the change to electric powered vehicles. It is its quality that makes the i3 stand out.
Making the list of best cars, the BMW i3 for sale is a sleek and powerful car, with the one tested featuring a power output of 125kW and 250Nm of torque. It also has low C02 emissions at 13g/km.
The exciting switch by BMW coupled with the hybrid technology and various charging options, from wall chargers to charging stations, in the works mean it’s only a matter of time before there are many more on the road, and in the city.
If you would like to delve a little deeper into what makes this best cars finalist tick, check out our ‘Meet the game changing and electrifying BMW i3’ post now!
Looking for a new car? Don’t settle for anything less than the best cars in South Africa. With a range of great deals on a huge selection of cars for sale, you are sure to find only the best cars and the best prices when you visit www.AutoMart.co.za.